Best Iowa music festivals: Why you need to check them out

Two Rivers Marketing
Jun 12, 2019

Yes, you read that correctly: “Iowa” and “music festivals” in the same sentence. We’re not just cornfields and pork here. We’ve got some crazy talented musicians and avid music followers. Which is why Iowa has no shortage of music festival offerings, no matter your favorite genre. Below is a partial list of Iowa music festivals happening this summer.

Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series

Thursdays from May to AugustFREE concert series at Jasper Winery in Des Moines. Enjoy music while sitting alongside the grapevines. Plus you can sample, and purchase, Jasper wine, some local beer, and food. For the lineup and FAQs, check out the Jasper Winery website.

Music in the Junction

Thursdays from May to SeptemberFREE live music series that lasts 22 weeks. What more could you need? How about a beverage garden and a farmer’s market? That’s what you’ll find at this summer series held in the Historic Valley Junction retail district in West Des Moines. Follow along on Facebook for their summer lineup.

Social Irrigation

Thursdays from June to SeptemberExplore indoor and outdoor gardens while you enjoy this concert series at the Des Moines Botanical Garden. Each week features new music, food, drinks, and lawn games. For pricing and the lineup, check out their website.

RiseFest

June 21–22The northwest Iowa town of Sheldon welcomes you to RiseFest, a family-friendly weekend of food, activities, and music that brings in big names in Christian music — like Skillet, Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, and more. For tickets and event information, check out the RiseFest website.

Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops

July 3This one needs to be on your bucket list. The Des Moines Symphony’s annual patriotic concert on the lawn of the Iowa Capitol is the largest single-day concert event in the state. And it’s free! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic basket and enjoy a truly spectacular concert and fireworks display over downtown Des Moines. Check the Des Moines Symphony site for details.

Iowa City Jazz Festival

July 5-7This festival is ranked in the top 10 jazz fests in the nation. This weekend includes national, regional, and local artists across multiple stages, as well as food, art, and children’s activities downtown near the University of Iowa campus. Get all the details here.

80/35

July 12-13This popular downtown Des Moines festival brings in dozens of artists for the weekend along with food trucks galore and children’s activities. There are free and ticketed stages, and this year, you can expect names like Portugal. The Man and Elle King. See the 80/35 website for the full lineup, ticket info, and more.

Camp Euforia

July 18-20Since its start in 2004, Camp Euforia has transformed a small-town farm in Lone Tree, Iowa, to a full-blown music festival. It brings in musicians both local and national for a weekend of music, camping, and community. For tickets, the schedule, and more info, see the Camp Euforia website.

Guthrie’s River Ruckus

July 26-27Located about halfway between Omaha and Des Moines, this two-day country music festival in Guthrie Center draws big names to a truly rural venue. Headliner Chris Cagle will be joined by Cody Hicks, Tucker Beathard, Diamond Rio, Ashley McBryde, and others. Check the River Ruckus website for tickets, camping information, location, and other details.

Hinterland

August 2-4Possibly the largest music festival Iowa has to offer, Hinterland is hosted in St. Charles and attracts thousands annually. In 2019, they’re bringing in artists like Hozier, Brandie Carlisle, Kacey Musgraves, and many more. Don’t miss out, and get all the info you need here.

515 Alive

August 16-17Hosted at Des Moines’ Water Works Park, this EDM and hip-hop festival provides entertainment for all ages. They have live music, food, art, merch, a live graffiti demo, and more. For all the details, check out the 515 Alive website.

Maximum Ames Music Festival

September 5-8In its ninth year, the Maximum Ames Music Festival (MAMF) is coinciding with Ames Pride Fest to bring a festival of “inclusiveness, understanding, and the spirit of doing it yourself.” Stay tuned on the MAMF Facebook as more and more details roll out over the summer.

World Food and Music Festival

September 20-22Celebrating world culture, the downtown Des Moines World Food and Musical Festival has become a staple in the Iowa festival scene. You can see spectacular culinary demonstrations, sample new foods, and appreciate international music and dance. Be sure to check out all the culture waiting for you here.

Have a favorite music fest in Iowa that didn’t get listed? Drop us a comment so we can find more music in Iowa!